The Post and Mailhttp://www.thepostandmail.com/node/8740/atom/feed2012-11-28T09:30:43-05:00PROMISES, PROMISES: Park Board offered help but no money for the momenthttp://www.thepostandmail.com/content/promises-promises-park-board-offered-help-no-money-moment2012-11-28T09:30:43-05:002012-11-28T09:30:43-05:00editor

SOUTH WHITLEY — Katie Till, park board member, and several other board representatives attended the South Whitley Town Council meeting Tuesday looking for answers to their funding questions.

The board originally thought its park account had some $14,000 available for spending yet this year. However, at the last council meeting, the board was told that was not the case. Overspending in some categories due to a $160,000 error meant the board was forced to give up its appropriations.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Katie Till, park board member, and several other board representatives attended the South Whitley Town Council meeting Tuesday looking for answers to their funding questions.

The board originally thought its park account had some $14,000 available for spending yet this year. However, at the last council meeting, the board was told that was not the case. Overspending in some categories due to a $160,000 error meant the board was forced to give up its appropriations.

According to board members, the cost of playground equipment needed for the park’s expansion and renovation is approximately $70,000. The board has $43,000, but needs the town to help cover an estimated $30,000.

Originally, the board was planning on the $14,000 from its appropriation to contribute to the $30,000 deficit, but with the appropriations gone, the board was left with pennies.

“You don’t have anything left appropriated for the year,” Clerk-Treasurer Bob Gould said. “There is $14,000 in your account, but because the appropriation is spent, we can’t spend that $14,000. The state says we can’t touch that money.”

Gould offered a consolation. “After Dec. 11, I will be done paying things for the year. I can take whatever is left over in the different categories and give it to the Park Board.”

Unfortunately, that is an unknown number until Gould finishes paid outs in December.

Starkey said, “I’m sure there is a way for us to work it out once we get our hands wrapped around these numbers.”

For a more in depth look at this story, see the Nov. 28 issue of The Post and Mail. Don't have a subscription? Call (260) 244-5153 or subscribe to our e-edition. For breaking news, sports updates and additional coverage, bookmark the homepage and find us on facebook.